RIM’s iPhone Killer: BlackBerry Thunder Release Date October 8th

The BlackBerry Thunder is prepping a massive launch on America’s largest wireless carrier, Verizon Wireless.  Big Red is set to launch the BlackBerry Thunder on October 8, 2008 according to Fudzilla, but they have not been leaked any details to the worldwide launch.  The Thunder will join the LG Dare as the second full touchscreen device to launch on the carrier and will be RIM’s first venture into the world of iPhone-esque style and touchscreen function.

With a 3.2 megapixel camera that should match the quality of Nokia’s upcoming XpressMusic 5800 ‘Tube’, the BlackBerry Thunder will be an impressive device.  Early reports indicated issues regarding the accuracy of the touchscreen, but with a solid history of quality devices we expect a top-notch device.  The microSD slot has also been confirmed, but the internal storage is in question (1GB or more).  RIM will deliver it’s own solution for music downloads to compete with iTunes through their recent partnership with Verizon which will deliver over-the-air music purchases on the BlackBerry Thunder.  As usual we will keep you updated as new developments unfold.

Update (August 29th): It looks like RIM has decided to change their minds about the exclusive worldwide launches on Verizon and Vodafone. While it is still unconfirmed (100%), details have been leaked suggesting that Rogers will also have the BlackBerry Thunder.

Update 2 (August 30th): Verizon Wireless will launch the device as the BlackBerry Storm while Vodafone and Rogers will launch the device as the BlackBerry Thunder.

Update 3 (August 31st): Confirmed specs reveal that there will be a 8GB microSD card pre-installed, a 3.5mm headphone jack, pre-installed SIM card and NO WI-FI. The device will still include CDMA/GSM support for a full worldwide device, but we are still in the dark on all the radios (CDMA/GSM/LTE…). Official Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Storm retail packaging was leaked to Engadget today as well (below)

[Source(s): BGR, Business Week, the unwired, Engadget]